about the riverwinds

Leaders. Diplomats. Bridge-Builders.

(Page under renovation... Pardon the dust!)

The RiverWinds are Indigenous leaders, ordained ministers, authors, musicians, and cultural diplomats whose work spans reconciliation ministry, tribal governance, faith leadership, advocacy, and international engagement.

Their public work began in 2004 through reconciliation-focused cultural programs aimed at restoring dignity, healing historical wounds, and strengthening Indigenous identity within a biblical framework. In 2007, they were formally ordained into ministry and have since served for nearly two decades as pastors, itinerant teacher-preachers, radio and internet broadcasters, and in-person ministry leaders.

Chief Joseph RiverWind and Dr. Laralyn RiverWind are most frequently engaged as a speaking and ministry partnership, presenting together as a complementary and unified voice. Their joint engagements integrate Indigenous heritage, biblical scholarship, sacred times and feasts teaching, historical context of Scripture, cultural preservation and filtration through Scripture, and principled diplomatic bridge-building. Any biography failing to mention their passion for the names of Creator would be sorely lacking.

Dr. Laralyn began intensive study in 2005 on the sacred times, the Feasts of the Lord, and the cultural context of Scripture — a focus she has taught consistently for nearly twenty years. Their teaching platform, Council Fire with the RiverWinds, produces short video teachings including the series Encouraging Word of the Day, reaching audiences across the nation.

The RiverWinds have personally pastored two congregations. One congregation continues under established elders in Minnesota following their transition from the White Earth Reservation to Tennessee. They also remotely mentored and supported a congregation in Farmington, New Mexico. Their ministry remains relational, scripturally grounded, and culturally informed.

Their ministry is marked by the ability to touch hearts through compelling, thoughtful storytelling. Audiences are engaged not only intellectually but personally, often finding peace in the aftermath of trauma and renewed perspective through Biblical truth. A vital component of their communication reflects a deeply rooted Native cultural value: humor. Even when addressing serious themes, appropriate humor is woven in as medicine for the soul—fostering connection, healing, and hope.

At the same time, The RiverWinds are respected for the depth and clarity of their teaching. They approach Scripture with careful word study and cultural context, presenting complex Biblical concepts in ways that are both accessible and intellectually sound. Their instruction encourages thoughtful reflection, guiding individuals to examine their lives in light of Scripture and to pursue obedience, discernment, and spiritual growth under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Faith is presented not as sentiment alone, but as a disciplined, informed, and transformative walk grounded in truth and grace.

Within Jewish communities, they are trusted advocates, being awarded the White Rose Award in 2025 for longstanding advocacy for Israel and the Jewish people. In 2021, they were named a Top Bridge-Builders in Jewish-Christian Relations by Root Source, a trusted, internationally renowned organization for Jewish-Christian interfacing.

They have served as voting members of the National Congress of American Indians in Washington, D.C., and have represented their respective tribes in national and international contexts.

The RiverWinds were appointed as ambassadors by their respective tribes (2015, 2019-2026); designated as “Ambassadors of God” by MK Rabbi Yehuda Glick (Knesset, Jerusalem, 2018); and commissioned through Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs-sponsored and endorsed Ambassador Program through Friends of Zion (2025). In 2026, in a ceremony on Capitol Hill, they were formally designated as Spiritual Diplomats by Dr. Mark Burns, Spiritual Advisor to President Donald J. Trump.

Their work has included helping launch the Indigenous Embassy of Jerusalem (2024), strengthening Jewish–Christian–First Nations relationships, and leading preparedness and advocacy initiatives through their nonprofit, FireKeepers International, whose motto is Advocacy. Resiliency. Recovery.

Visit the non-profit

The RiverWinds speak on Capitol Hill

They encourage the responsible exercise of civic duties, including voting, principled political engagement, and prayer for the nation. While they do not ignore the painful realities of American history — including atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples — they encourage forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation, remaining patriotic in their conviction that the United States has uniquely safeguarded civil and God-given liberties. As strong supporters of the United States, Israel, and sovereign indigenous nations, they envision and actively work toward strengthened international and interpersonal relationships grounded in mutual respect and shared values.

As speakers, they have addressed audiences on Capitol Hill, at international conferences, and in Jerusalem, including participation in the 2018 Temple Mount Conference. Their musical and speaking engagements include the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C

The RiverWinds are also professional actors, musicians, storytellers, and filmmakers. Their credits include Episode 3 of Legends of the Lost, appearances in the Inspiration Network miniseries Angels & Giants, the Watchers & The Nephilim, numerous documentaries, an episode in a Cinemax television series, L.A. Marzulli's Watcher series (multiple episodes). and the forthcoming short docudrama The Red Record (Amazon Prime, 2026), which they directed and acted in. A very important aspect of indigenous culture - humor - is well-threaded through the fabric of their every engagement.

As musicians, they received the 2011 Native American Music Award for Tribal Thunder by The Blessed Blend and the 2013 Taíno Award for Musician of the Year.

Above all, The RiverWinds are committed to loving Creator Yahweh with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving their neighbor as themselves, doing so all with their unique cultural flair.

learn more about...

Chief Joseph RiverWind

Ambassador Laralyn RiverWind

"The Chief is considered to be the most learned, and the leader of the tribe. The Doctor, however, is thought to have more inspiration." ~ Sarah Winnemucca Paiute (1844-1891)

Chief Joseph & Dr. Laralyn RiverWind laugh together

Speaking Partnership

The RiverWinds are typically engaged as a speaking and ministry partnership, offering a dynamic and complementary presentation that weaves together:

Reconciliation ministry and cultural restoration
Sacred times and biblical feasts teaching
Indigenous governance and heritage
Island Arawak language preservation
Jewish–Christian–First Nations bridge-building
Cultural resilience and preparedness
International advocacy and diplomacy
Storytelling, music, and historical narrative

For gender-specific initiatives such as She Leads Native America, Dr. Laralyn may present independently. In most other contexts, their work is intentionally delivered together.